Michigan State's Tom Izzo says he'll pull for Michigan in tourney, Spartan-Wolverine hoops great for state

Michigan State coach Tom Izzo says he's pulling for Michigan this March -- even if it sounds weird. AP photo

AUBURN HILLS -- Tom Izzo doesn't have to like Michigan, but that doesn't mean he can't root for them.

Seriously.

Asked about the intertwining of Michigan and Michigan State fans at The Palace of Auburn Hills this week during the NCAA tournament, Izzo reminded reporters Friday that it's never OK to "like" your rival, but in this instance, he's 100 percent pulling for the Big Ten in the postseason.

Michigan included.

"I've said all year that you can't like your rival, but when -- first of all, I have great respect for John Beilein, I mean a good guy and he's done it the right way there," Izzo said Friday. "I am 100 percent pulling for the conference, totally.

"I'm pulling for every team in this conference."

Izzo's Spartans advanced to the third round of the tournament Thursday with a win over Valparaiso at The Palace, hours before Michigan joined them in the second round by beating South Dakota State on the same floor.

MSU will take on Memphis at 2:45 p.m. Saturday for a shot at the Sweet 16, immediately after Michigan battles VCU (12:15 p.m.) for a spot in the South Regional semifinals.

"I think right now we have so many good coaches in our league and we have so little recruiting issues like some conferences do that it will be interesting," Izzo added. "I'm not sure it will be like Illinois and us in the Final Four in St. Louis (in 2005) when both teams 200 percent pulled for each other.

"But then again, if we both advance, we're in different brackets. I think this is one time it would be great."

Beilein has consistently talked about how much respect he has for Izzo and his program all season long, and has long maintained that two elite-level college basketball teams is terrific for the state of Michigan -- no matter which color scheme you wear.

Izzo went one step further Friday.

In his own unique, legendary, style.

"It's been great for the state of Michigan," he said. "You know, I think the governor should put Beilein and I on the economic package and maybe we get paid for this.